Kristian Garic

Kristian: Saints make big moves in day 2 of draft

by Kristian Garic,posted Apr 27 2013 12:44AM

Kristian@wwl.com - The Saints started the day with one pick in round three and ended up with two. Through a few trades, the Saints were able to add a couple of players along the offensive and defensive lines. The Black and Gold grabbed offensive tackle Terron Armstead out of Arkansas Pine Bluff with their first pick in round 3. After trading running back Chris Ivory to the New York Jets; New Orleans packaged that pick and their fourth rounder to Miami to trade up in the third round to grab Georgia Defensive Tackle John Jenkins.

Armstead: It was an obvious need for the Saints, and some experts felt Armstead was a second round talent that slipped right to the Saints. In Armstead, the Saints get an athletic pass rusher to replace Jermon Bushrod. We'll see if he can come in and man that left side from day one, but the Saints love his athleticism. New Orleans has been particularly adept at finding fine offensive lineman in the later stages of the draft, and Armstead looks like another.

Jenkins: He's a huge guy that is needed to play nose tackle in Rob Ryan's 3-4 defense. The Saints spent a lot of time at the Senior Bowl with Jenkins and love his stout figure in stopping the run. Again, another solid selection here for the Saints. It was an area of need, and the Saints used their depth at running back to improve their defense. If you look at the Chris Ivory deal closely, you could argue the Saints got a third round pick for Ivory and used it on Jenkins

Ivory: As much of a fan favorite as he was, it was absolutely the right decision to trade him. The Saints got good value for a player that played a relatively small role for them on offense. Ivory will have a chance to shine in New York, and the Saints address an area of need. New Orleans received good value for Ivory.

A look ahead: The Saints now own a fifth and sixth round pick tomorrow. It will be hard to get back into the fourth round tomorrow. I don't anticipate that happening, but you never know with Sean Payton and Mickey Loomis. The Saints still have some needs at WR, and CB. Perhaps they draft Tulane Quarterback Ryan Griffin as a developmental type player to be the understudy to Drew Brees.

All the best to CI......will miss him!
To all those who say trade Ingram instead of Ivory.....get real please....Ingram is getting better all the time and Chris was the right one to trade as he would be unrestricted next year, cost 2M, and we would havegotten nothing for him next year......Please put your faith in Payton and Loomis, they have proved they know what they are doing...

04/27/2013 12:15PM

CI will be missed

One of my favorite players. But Peyton is masterful at picking the right players. He is also the best at studying. And he has had a year to do it. Have to trust his judgement.

04/27/2013 1:13PM

WHO Dat?

The stats don't LIE. Ingram has YET to prove himself as a featured BACK in the NFL. I Hope he's healthy. I like him but he's like ..... That BUSH guy mastered off tackle plays but could NOT run between tackles and great routes/hands but not a receiver. Ivory served as an all purpose RUNNING BACK. We will truly miss him. Check the stats.

04/27/2013 1:35PM

Athletic Pass Rusher to Replace Jermon Bushrod?

I think you meant athletic pass blocker...

04/27/2013 1:37PM

We'll Be Fine!

Ivory couldn't stay healthy, and I believe Mark Ingram will get better IF we can get him the ball more. He's a back who gets better the more you feed him the ball. I think he and Pierre Thomas will make a great combo, with Sproles being a 3rddown/change of pace back...Cadet can return kickoffs and run the ball as well, so I think we'll be just fine.

04/27/2013 3:55PM

They lost out on a player

Had they stayed pat with the two 4th rd picks instead of trading up they would have still been able to get Jenkins or Brandon Williams at NT and had the other 4th for an additional player. Personally I see it as 2 4ths and Chris Ivory for Jenkins. I surehope he pans out and dosen't just get fat and lazy around all that good food.